Torget

Kysten

Multe

Brygga

Explorer Lounge & Bar

What really makes the Explorer Bar stand out is the atmosphere of the surrounding lounge and the panoramic views of the fjords through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Order from a range of hot and cold beverages, relax in a comfortable armchair, chat with a drink in hand, and watch the world go by.

The Explorer Bar serves premium coffee, organic teas, hot chocolate, fruit juices, various Norwegian beers, red, white, and rosé wine, and a collection of Norwegian aquavit that would make any spirit lover jump for joy.  

Enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail and sweeping panoramic views of the Norwegian coast in our bar on Deck 7.

Outdoor Walking Deck

Enjoy our large outdoor sun deck waiting for the Northern Lights to appear.

Shopping

Selling souvenirs, knitwear, books, postcards, postage stamps and a limited supply of toiletries.

Library

The books are in a variety of languages including Norwegian, German and English, also there are game tables available to play cards and chess.

Sauna and Fitness Room

Work up a sweat in our well-equipped gym, or unwind in the cozy sauna. The gym offers great views.

Outdoor Hot Tubs

Soak in the bubbles of the ship’s two outdoor hot tubs, while admiring views of the coast.

Excursions

Enhance your voyage with our wide range of optional excursions that allow you to delve deeper into the dramatic landscapes, rich history, and charming culture of Norway and Svalbard. We offer more than 130 excursions up and down the coast, each run by local suppliers who are ready to showcase the wonders of their home.

Take your pick from a palette of active adventures such as kayaking along Ålesund’s waterways, quad biking to the North Cape or snowshoeing in Tromsø. If you’re interested in history, you can join a World War II tour in Kristiansand or explore the hidden rooms of Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.

There are plenty of opportunities to sample the delicacies of the Norwegian coast, too, with visits to the world’s northernmost brewery and boat trips to go king crab fishing with locals. We also recommend cultural visits that introduce you to Sámi culture or to the workings of a family-run dairy farm in Lofoten.

An excursion for every season

While many excursions are offered year-round, some are season specific. Summer is a glorious time to be in Norway and Svalbard, with a variety of activities that make the most of the long, leisurely days of the Midnight Sun. Why not enjoy a RIB safari in search of Sea Eagles or a guided e-bike tour around the island of Senja?

The cooler weather in autumn, winter, and spring turns Norway into a wonderland of snow, best enjoyed by dog sled or on cross-country skis. You could also try your hand at snowmobiling, hopefully with the Northern Lights dancing above.

Activities that are right for you

Our diverse excursions cater not just for varied interests but also for different mobility levels, so you can choose the activity that’s right for you.

We offer four distinct physical levels that cater to all – from accessible museum visits to challenging hikes that require a good level of fitness. Certain activities are even wheelchair-friendly, ensuring inclusivity for all.

Caring for the community

We work with on-the-ground suppliers to offer you a truly authentic experience with every excursion. These local outfits have a wealth of knowledge about the area, and they’re passionate about sharing their expertise and unique offerings with visitors like you.

Not only that, but your bookings help to preserve the local culture and heritage of the Norwegian coast. It feels great to know that your support directly benefits the people and communities who call this beautiful place home.

Hikers’ heaven

Feel a sense of friluftsliv, the Norwegian word that encapsulates a love of the outdoors, on optional hikes guided by your Coastal Experience Team.

You can purchase hikes individually, as a seasonal bundle of four, or as a pass that gives you access to all hikes.

How to book an excursion with Hurtigruten

It’s easy to book an excursion. To book online, go to our excursions hub and either input your booking reference or select your voyage from the drop-down menu. Choose the excursion you want and then click the ‘Add to Reservation’ button. A member of our team will then contact you to arrange payment and confirm your booking. 

Expedition Team

Many of the crew, restaurant staff and Expedition Team members that you’ll meet on board a Hurtigruten voyage are from the very places we visit along the Norwegian coast. And one thing we all have in common is a passion for working for Hurtigruten. In many cases, it’s been an ambition since childhood.

We believe that when you choose to visit our home, you deserve to be treated like an honoured guest. That’s why we take you to places that we love, like hidden fjords and tucked-away villages. We tell you our stories, show you the natural wonders that inspire us, and share with you the best local foods fresh from our seas, farms and mountains.

Every Hurtigruten voyage is guided by captains who know Norway’s coastline as intimately as their own back gardens. Most grew up in coastal communities, learning to read the sea from an early age; its moods, its light, its shifting weather.

Their expertise is matched by a deep respect for nature and an unwavering commitment to safety. Many began their careers on our ships as apprentices, rising through the ranks with skill and pride. Today, they sail with quiet confidence, navigating fjords and open waters alike, keeping our tradition of seamanship alive, season after season.

Photo Programme

With the Hurtigruten Photo Programme you’ll learn how to improve your photography skills as well as share photos with fellow guests, take part in contests and geotag your images using Cameralla.

Take your photography to the next level as you travel in one of the most beautiful regions of the world. Along with fellow enthusiasts of all levels, join our Photo Club where you can upload your images and receive valuable feedback. Here, the joy of photography takes centre stage, whether you’re bringing top-end camera equipment or simply using your phone to capture the beauty and magic of the voyage.

On our Original voyages 

Our tailored Photo Programme is designed to help you master the basics of photography and capture the magic of your journey.

• Free Photo Course: Learn simple, practical tips to enhance your photography skills while on board.
• Hurtigruten Photo Club: Share your photos, join exciting competitions, and discover inspiring destinations.
• Memory stick for sale: Take home a collection of pictures from your voyage to relive the memories forever.

Join us on board and take your photography skills to new heights as you discover the beauty of Norway’s coast. 

Lectures

Each member of the team has a range of specialised topics in their repertoire, ready to share with you in lectures and presentations on board, on deck, and ashore.

Dietary Requirements

Gluten-free and allergy-specific meals can be arranged. Just contact our Customer Service Centre with your dietary requirements at least two weeks before departure so the ship can prepare accordingly.

We can also provide halal products on request. However, we are unable to offer genuine kosher meals.

Please note that our kitchens do not have dedicated allergen-free preparation areas. While we take great care to avoid cross-contamination, guests with severe allergies should be aware that allergens are handled in the same space.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

We offer a range of plant-based dishes at lunch and dinner, suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.

If you have any dietary requirements or food allergies, please contact our Customer Service Centre at least two weeks before departure so the ship’s team can prepare accordingly. This helps ensure the best possible dining experience during your voyage.

Dress Code

We Norwegians are down-to-earth people. We don’t believe in dress codes on board. Wear your hiking shoes to dinner or your slippers to breakfast. It’s up to you. Just leave spikes off indoors and keep your shoes on in restaurants and the bar for safety.

Smoking Policy

You’re welcome to smoke in the designated outdoor deck areas. Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices, isn’t permitted indoors so we can keep the indoor spaces fresh and comfortable for all guests. A NOK 1500 (~£115) cabin cleaning fee will apply if additional cleaning is required due to smoking.

Safety

It is a safety requirement that all Hurtigruten passengers attend a compulsory safety briefing in Bergen and Kirkenes before the ship leaves port. After embarkation, the crew will greet you and conduct the mandatory safety brief at intervals. This will last between 10-15 minutes.

The briefing will include a demonstration of how to put on a life jacket and the instructions to be followed in the unlikely event of an evacuation or other emergency during the voyage. The briefing is compulsory for all passengers including those who have travelled with Hurtigruten before. There will be an opportunity to ask questions if you have any concerns.

Please familiarise yourself with the emergency procedures as shown in the cabins (there is a diagram on the cabin door and in public areas), and ask at reception if in doubt. In many ports, there may be a good deal of activity on the quay with cars joining/leaving the ships and/or goods being loaded or unloaded. Please be alert to such traffic when embarking and disembarking.

Take care during winter months when it is icy underfoot, particularly on the outside decks and when disembarking the ship or alighting from coaches. Ice spikes and other winter clothing can be purchased in the ships store. Do not carry large amounts of cash and keep valuable items, including mobile phones and cameras, out of sight.

Drones

To help keep everyone safe and comfortable, we kindly ask that you don’t use personal drones during your voyage. Drones can affect wildlife, as well as the privacy and experience of fellow travellers. On some Signature sailings, our onboard photographer may capture footage using drones in permitted areas. You’ll receive these photos and videos after the voyage – so you can still take home some special memories.

Wi-Fi

We provide complimentary Wi-Fi aboard all our ships, though signal strength may vary in different areas. We sail through remote regions of Norway, so internet speeds may be slower and less suitable for streaming services.

Note: If you have booked a Basic fare or a port-to-port sailing, please make sure you are registered with our 1893 Ambassador Loyalty Programme to access the complimentary Wi-Fi.

Excursions

How far in advance can I book excursions?

Excursions can be booked for Coastal Express departures through 30 March 2026 and Signature voyages through 30 April 2026. Please note, for voyages beyond the dates listed above excursions are typically bookable 180 days before your departure, and we’ll send you an email with excursion details after bookings open. Please keep in mind that not all excursions may be available at that time; some may be added later.

Can I book an excursion on board?

If an excursion is not fully booked, any remaining slots will be available for purchase on board through your Expedition Team. These will be charged in Norwegian Kroner at your ship’s exchange rate.

However, to ensure yourself a spot, we recommend booking in advance.

I am an 1893 Ambassador. Do I get a discount when booking excursions?

Yes, 1893 Ambassadors get a 5% discount on all excursions (booked pre-travel or on board).

Do all excursions start and end in the same port?

No, we offer several overland excursions that start in one port and end in another. Transport is included in these to ensure you are escorted back to the ship on time.

Can I cancel/change my excursion?

Excursions can be cancelled up to 14 days before your departure without charge. Any cancellations made after this time are non-refundable.

It is also possible to change on to another excursion up to 14 days before your departure, but only if the price of that excursion exceeds that of your original booking.

Can I do more than one excursion a day?

Yes, on many days it is possible to do more than one excursion. On The Coastal Express, we often visit more than one port a day, meaning that you can do several trips. In Lofoten, for example, you could join a bus tour of Harstad in the morning, enjoy lunch on board the ship, and then embark on a Sea Eagle safari in the afternoon.

In some ports, it is also possible to do more than one excursion. You can find more details on which trips are combinable on each excursion page.

How fit do I need to be to join an excursion?

Each of our excursions has a rating to illustrate the level of fitness required. There are four categories, with 1 being the easiest and 4 the most difficult.

Level 1 = Easy: suitable for most

Excursions at this level are physically undemanding and suitable for most people. Level 2 = Moderate: some mobility needed

Excursions in this category involve a small amount of physical activity, but on easy terrain with few major challenges. Level 3 = Active: good mobility needed

Excursions in this category are more active and involve outdoor pursuits that require a decent level of fitness. You may be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. They are not suitable for those with limited mobility.

Level 4 = Challenging: good mobility and fitness needed

These are our most challenging excursions, and require a good level of fitness. They may involve hiking or biking on uneven terrain and may also require specialist equipment. You would be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. Excursions in this category are not suitable for those with limited mobility. 

Pet Cabins

You can travel on our ships with your pet. To do so, please book your ticket through our Customer Service Centre on 02045711560. Please note that if you need to book a cabin for your journey, there will be an additional fee of 150 NOK per night for pets.

Languages

English and Norwegian are the official languages, and are used for all announcements and lectures. Written information, such as menus and daily programme, are also available in German and French.

Laundry

Every ship has a small self-service laundry room with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. A wash costs 30 NOK (~£2.50) per load, and washing powder is included. You can buy tokens at reception.

Medical Facilities

We have basic medical facilities on our ships, and crew members are trained to handle medical emergencies. However, there is no doctor on board, so passengers with serious health conditions should prepare accordingly. Our ships stay close to land for urgent medical situations.

Environmental Commitment

Hurtigruten’s environmental efforts are tied to our strategic six-point policy;

1. That environmentally-oriented measures are identified and implemented in day-to-day operations.
2. That focus is directed specifically at the marine environment.
3. That we specify requirements for subcontractors and contractual partners.
4. That our communications concerning our own environmental performance are open and complete.
5. That we ensure continuous monitoring and improvement of our environmental work.
6. That we do not leave any permanent traces behind us in vulnerable areas.

As a traveller with Hurtigruten, your contribution to environmental care is welcome. We have garbage sorting aboard all ships, and we encourage you to turn off lights when leaving the cabin and unplug electrical transformers when not in use.

In 2018, we banned all single-use plastic on board our fleet. When ashore, bring your litter back to the vessel or dispose at designated places. We are often near wildlife on our voyages. Please heed the advice of your Tour Leader/Expedition Leader and excursion guide and strive to act in a way that does not alter the wildlife’s natural behaviour.

Bringing a vehicle on board

Pre-booking

We highly recommend pre-booking a spot on the car deck. You can show up on the day, but there’s no guarantee we’ll have a free space.

Arrival at Port

Please be ready to drive on board at 18.00 in Bergen and no later than one hour before departure in Trondheim, Bodø, Tromsø and Kirkenes. For all other ports, please arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure.

Check-in

In most ports, you park your car, walk on to the ship, check in, and then return to your vehicle. Our crew will then inform you when it’s your turn to drive on board. In Bergen, please walk into the terminal and check in.

We ask guests embarking at ports where we dock for 15 minutes or less to drive onto the ship before checking in. A member of our car deck crew will hand you a transit card. Please show this card to reception staff during check-in. Check our sailing plan to see how long we stay in each port.

Please provide reception staff with the following information during check-in:

• License plate number
• Type of vehicle
• Colour of vehicle

You will receive your vehicle access pass during check in, which must be shown to the crew on the car deck.

Parking & boarding

In Bergen, there is a car park near the terminal marked with ‘Kystruten and FjordLine’.

In Trondheim and Bodø, there is a car park close to the pier.

In Tromsø, vehicles must be parked in public car park near the terminal building.

In Kirkenes, there’s a marked parking lane on the pier.

Our smaller ports do not usually feature a car park. However, you can park in a suitable place close to the pier.

Please note: The order vehicles enter the ship depends on their port of disembarkation. You’ll receive further information during check-in.

In many ports, our crew can drive your vehicle on and off the ship. However, please note that we cannot guarantee this service.

You can bring your vehicle on board at any port, except for our seasonal stops in Geirangerfjord in summer and Hjørundfjord in autumn, as we don’t dock in these two locations. Instead, we anchor offshore, and guests are brought on board by tender boats.

Restrictions

For safety reasons, we will not be able to board vehicles with LPG or CNG gas. This applies even if the tank is empty.

No caravans or trailers are allowed on board.

Guests aren’t allowed on the car deck while the ship is sailing. Therefore, please take the luggage you require from your vehicle and board via the terminal in Bergen and via the pier in other ports.

Disembarking

The car deck only opens when the ship is docked. Therefore, you can enjoy the views right up until we reach land. The crew will show you to your vehicle, and you can start your engine when notified.

Please note: On southbound sailings, the crew drive all vehicles off the ship in Trondheim due to the early hour (06.30) of our arrival. You can collect your keys in reception. 

What’s Included

Are meals are included in my booking?

Your board basis depends on the voyage and fare you’ve booked.

On sailings on the Original Coastal Express, your voyage is full board, with breakfast, lunch and dinner served in our main restaurant, Torget. Beverages are limited to tap water, coffee and tea at mealtimes; other drinks can be purchased separately.

On our Signature voyages, your experience is all-inclusive. You can choose from breakfast, lunch and dinner in our main restaurant Flora, as well as lunch and dinner in Brasserie Árran. You’ll also enjoy unlimited selected drinks served at meals and in the 1893 Bar throughout your voyage.

For short voyages and port-to-port bookings, meals are not included but can be purchased on board, and full-board/half-board packages can also be added for an additional cost by contacting our Customer Service Centre.

Do the cabins on MS Nordlys include things like hairdryer, tea and coffee and Wi-Fi?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, including in your cabin and shared areas.

Most cabins include a hairdryer and basic toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. Tea and coffee facilities are included in Arctic Superior cabins and Expedition Suites. Guests in other cabin types can request a kettle from reception.

Food & Drink in Cabins

Can I bring my own food and drink to my cabin?

You’re welcome to bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on board to enjoy in your cabin to enjoy – just keep in mind that outside food and drinks aren’t permitted in the ship’s public areas.

You may also bring up to two unopened bottles of alcohol per person (maximum 1.5 litres each). Simply hand them to Reception when you board, and we’ll keep them safe until the end of your voyage. Alcohol brought on board can’t be enjoyed during the sailing, but it’ll be ready for you once your journey is over.

Payment Methods

The onboard currency is Norwegian kroner (NOK). You can pay for all onboard expenses using your cruise card, which will be given to you on check-in. At the end of your cruise, you can settle your bill using the credit card registered to your account – we accept Visa, Mastercard and Diners Card. Maestro and American Express are not accepted.

Wheelchair Users

Is MS Nordlys suitable for wheelchair users?

Yes. MS Nordlys is suitable for wheelchair users, with step-free access to key public areas and two wheelchair-accessible toilets (on Deck 4 and Deck 7).

Accessible cabins with automatic doors and wheelchair storage are available but limited (cabins 331, 333 and 335, plus suite 643), so we recommend booking early. You can book accessible cabins online or through our Customer Service Centre.

Accessible Cabins

We offer a limited number of accessible cabins on board all our ships. These cabins feature wider doorways, automatic doors and easy access to lifts and public areas.

Accessible cabins can be booked online or through our Customer Service Centre. We recommend booking early, as availability is limited.

MS Nordlys Contact Details

• Phone: +47 99 48 72 74
• Email: Reception.nl@hurtigruten.com